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Smokers can boost oral health

In a study at the University at Buffalo’s Periodontal Research Center, researchers showed that giving smokers a supplement containing the antioxidant vitamins C and E and grape seed extract improved the response to gum disease treatment. The researchers reported better gum attachment and improved oral health in general.

β€œSmokers are a constant challenge in clinical practice,” said Sara Grossi, DDS, a research scientist. β€œThis antioxidant supplement shows significant benefit in smokers with severe periodontal disease and appears to be safe, with no side effects,” she said. β€œTo my knowledge, this is the first study to test the efficacy of a dietary supplement for oral health.”

The study involved 75 smokers with gum disease who smoked more than 10 cigarettes a day for many years: β€œProbably the worst of the worst,” said Grossi. At the end of the study, results showed that patients taking antioxidants had significantly fewer gum pockets deeper than 5 mm (sites where gum tissue had become detached from the tooth) compared to the control group. Those taking antioxidants also had an increase in gum attachment.

Source: University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, Mar 29, 2004